'I couldn't be happier"
Posted online: Sep 17th, 2008
by John Gill john@inishtimes.com
“I couldn’t be happier,” the words of pensioner, Bridget McGuinness, a resident of the Taobh na Cille sheltered housing project in Moville.
The 66-year-old was among the residents who attended the official opening of the scheme by Michael Finneran, Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal and Developing, and the North’s Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie.
The residence, located on the former Sisters of Mercy Convent in the town, was built at a cost of €3.2 million and took just over two years to complete. It provides high quality safe and secure housing for 30 elderly residents.
It is one ot three projects involving the cross-border North and West Housing Group, consisting of North and West Housing in Northern Ireland and North and West Housing (Ireland) working within Donegal.
Speaking to the “Inish Times,” Bridget, who has been living in Taobh na Cille for seven months, said she, and all the residents, were “really happy.”
She said: It is just wonderful. I could not praise it enough. You couldn’t get much better. They are really looking after us. Mags, the manager, the Angela, the cleaner, keep the place spotless.”
Bridget added: “Everyone gets on really well with each other. We have music and tea every Wednesday night with the bands giving their services for free. We are being spoilt. I couldn’t be happier.”
Welcoming the Ministers, Canon Brian Smeaton, chairman of North and West Housing (Ireland), described the official opening as a “momentous occasion.” He said the project was a “working example” of how two housing associations could work in partnership.
Minister Ritchie said the project was a great boost for the North West while Mr. Finneran said the residence was “money well spent” and a building the people of Moville could be “rightly proud of.”
He added: “It is an impressive example of what can be achieved through commitment and community effort.”
Also in attendance were Donegal North East TD, Deputy Joe McHugh, and Senator Cecilia Keaveney.
Deputy McHugh described the project as “absolutely wonderful.”
He added: “It is something that this part of Inishowen has been crying out for many years. It is a magnificient building and all those involved in its construction have to be commended. I am sure the residents and future residents will feel ‘at home’ staying here.”
Senator Keaveney said the residence was a “beautiful facility” and a “tremendous resource.”
She said: “In recent months it has been a pleasure as I pass by every day to see my new neighbours settle into what is a beautiful facility and a tremendous resource.”
Also in attendance at the official opening were County Councillors Rena Donaghey and Marian McDonald as well as representatives of the four Main Churches and Sr. Winnie Lynott of the Sisters of Mercy.